5 things to know about the health care ruling

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued its ruling on President Barack Obama's health care law, largely backing the law. Here are five things to know about the ruling.

GateHouse News Service

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued its ruling on President Barack Obama's health care law, largely backing the law. Here are five things to know about the ruling.

1. The vote to uphold the law came on a 5-4 decision from the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts - who is considered a conservative and was appointed by President George W. Bush - was in the majority on the ruling. Roberts said the individual mandate - that all Americans must have health care - is legal because it falls under Congress' taxing clause, not the commerce clause, as some had argued.

2. The ruling means that starting in 2014, people without health care insurance will have to pay a penalty. The penalty will increase in 2015 and again in 2016.

3. The case was brought to the Supreme Court by 26 states, which sued over "Obamacare," arguing it was unconstitutional. Based on hearings in March, speculation before this morning was that justices would strike down the individual mandate.

4. The Supreme Court didn't like how the law expanded Medicaid but still basically upheld it, saying if the federal government doesn't withhold funds for states if they don't take part in the expansion, it's OK.

5. The ruling is a victory for Obama, but whether it will hurt him or help him during his re-election campaign remains to be seen. Republican challenger Mitt Romney said Thursday that he would repeal the health care law if he becomes president.